Expiry of WLC License

[ict-ind-dc-nw1]

Dear Team,

we have an AIR-CT2500-K9 WLC controller. it was ended the Support from Cisco at April 2023.

currently it was showing the Evolution License expiry date was 2 weeks.  so what will happen after 2 weeks, is my Aeronet Ap's are disconnect the From the WLC? Please find the below image and kindly suggest me any mitigation Plan.

[marce1000]

  APs will no longer be able to join , since the controller itself is End of Life , better migrate to new wireless platform (controller) based on 9800 models where you can also start with VM (e.g.)  , 

 M.

[ict-ind-dc-nw1]

Hi,

So after 2 weeks 6 Days the AP's which are connected to that WLC will automatically disconnect?

without changing the device can we have any option to mitigate?

[David Ritter]

I suppose you could disable NTP and reset the clock.  That could give you more time to upgrade/migrate

[Rich R]

How many APs?

[David Ritter]

I forgot..  as long as the AP is connected,  it will remain connected.  However, there are various external issues that stimulate AP resets.

so all bets are off.

[ict-ind-dc-nw1]

hi,

26 APs

[Denniz]

I am a little bit late, but you do have a permanent 25 ap base license with no expiration. How any ap's do you have?

[ict-ind-dc-nw1]

26 APs

[Denniz]

I am not sure that the license will work (i am not very good at licensing) but i think it will work for 25 of your ap's, that means that one will not join.

[Rich R]

Correct - if @ict-ind-dc-nw1 switches to using the permanent 25 AP license only 25 out of the 26 APs will be able to join, which is probably better than none at all.
Although the 2504 is end of sale the licenses are still orderable.  To get 1 extra license you'll need to order:

Part Number	Description	Qty
L-LIC-CT2504-UPG	Upgrade Options for 2504 WLAN Controller (e-Delivery)	1
L-LIC-CT2504-1A	1 AP Adder License for 2504 WLAN Controller (e-Delivery)	1
L-LIC-CT25-DTLS-K9	2504 Wireless LAN Controller DTLS License (e-Delivery)	1

As per https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/2500-series-wireless-controllers/data_sheet_c78-645111.html
It currently costs around $300 but you'll have to get a quote from your reseller. Lead time is within 3 days from order.